Parent's Corner
The Office of University Housing would like to welcome you to Temple University and to our Residential Family. Sending a student off to college is both exciting and stressful time for many parents and guardians. Our goal is to provide our Residence Hall students with safe, comfortable and learning-conducive environment. The people who work for the Office of University Housing are committed to helping your student have the most positive and engaging experience possible while living in our halls and alternative housing sites. While we encourage students to take an active role in residential life, we understand that you as parents or guardians will have questions and concerns. We have tried to anticipate some of those questions you might have regarding our operations and the services we provide for our students. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions.
Who can answer my questions?
It is the goal of our staff to provide our students with superior customer service. This is a list of common questions areas and who you can contact regarding any questions or concern you may have:
The Assignments & Billing Staff can assist with:
- Housing license questions
- Room Selection Process
- Room Changes
- Selections or changing meal plans
- Housing-related billing questions or concerns
Who are Resident Directors?
Resident Directors (RDs) are full-time, professional staff members who live and work in the residence halls. They are responsible for the day to day administration of a residential area ranging from 150 to 630 students depending on specific assignment. Resident Directors are involved in the section , training and supervision of the Residential Life Staff including Resident Assistants (RAs) and Community Building Assistants (CBAs). In addition, their duties include policy development and implementation, advising student groups and promoting programming efforts. Resident Directors report to the Assistant Directors for Residential Life.
Your student’s Resident Director can assist with:
- Personal issues (homesickness, adjustment, etc.)
- Residence Hall rules and policies
- Maintenance and Housekeeping concerns
- Roommate relations
- Etc
How can I contact my son or daughter?
It is up to the student to provide friends and family with their contact information. It is the philosophy of Temple University to protect our students' privacy rights. As a result, the University Housing Staff will not provide student contact information to anyone. If your student resides on Main, Ambler or Tyler Campus, they may choose to have a phone number listed with the University operator.
Temple University Housing Phone Numbers:
General Housing Questions- 215-204-7184
Assignments & Billing- 215-204-7184
Maintenance Questions- 215-204-2732 (but all requests must go through Maintenance Direct at Temple University Housing.
Other Important Temple University Resources:
- Campus Safety Services- 215-204-1234
- Telecommunications- 215-204-7722
- Diamond Dollars- 215-204-1250
- Dining Services- 215-204-7263
- Student Financial Services- 215-204-2244
- Student Health Services- 215-204-7500
- The Conwell Inn (hotel)- 215-235-6200
- Temple University Operator- 215-204-7000
Can my son or daughter change rooms?
Generally, room changes are made only during specifically scheduled periods of the year. There are three room change periods: three weeks after beginning of the Fall Semester, three weeks prior to the end of the Fall Semester and three weeks after the start of the Spring Semester. A student who wishes to request a room change can obtain a form from University Housing or the residence hall front desk prior to the room change period. For requests at times other than the scheduled room change periods, students should speak to their Resident Director. The Resident Director or Assistant Director for Assignments & Billing gives final approval for all room change. In all cases, the Residential Life Staff will evaluate each situation individually and take appropriate steps to assist the student(s).
Who will be responsible for my son or daughter?
The Residential Life staff works to build a residential environment with tangible guidelines and policies for responsible community living. Upon checking into our halls, all students receive a copy of the Residence Hall Policies, which are contained in the Rights, Responsibilities, and Resources Guide. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the Residence Hall Policies. The University treats all students as adults, and they are expected to govern themselves as such. The Residential Life Staff operates an educational-based (as opposed to punitive) Judicial Process to enforce our community standards. Further, to encourage growth and development, we offer many leadership opportunities such as Residence Hall Association, Residence Hall Senates, Judicial Board and other hall-specific opportunities. After their first year, students may also apply to join the Residential Life Staff as Resident Assistants or Community Builder Assistants.
Who are Resident Assistants?
Resident Assistants (RAs) live with the residents in the residence halls and University-sponsored housing. They are second, third or fourth year students selected based on their skills, interests and abilities, which enable them to assist and advise students. RAs receive pre-service and on-going training designed to further develop their skills and knowledge base.
Since RAs have the opportunity to work closely with students over an extended period of time, they are in the unique position of being able to positively influence students’growth. RAs work to create a positive environment (1) by fostering a sense of community within the residence halls, (2) by providing assistance to students and (3) by working with students and staff to ensure the smooth operation of the residence halls.
What is the visitation/ guest policy?Resident students will receive the complete details of the University's Guest Policy in their Rights, Responsibilities, and Resources Guide. However, some important points of the Guest Policy are:(1) All guests must be signed in at the security desk. (2) All guests over the age of 18 must have a valid photo identification to gain entrance. (3) Each resident may in sign in up to three guests at any one time. (4) The resident must obtain the permission of his or her roommate(s) to have overnight guests. (5) Guests may remain in the halls for no more than two consecutive nights and three nights in a seven-day period. (6) All signed-in guests must be accompanied at all times by their resident host while in the building.
Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted in the residence halls even if the students are at least 21 years of age. Students should familiarize themselves with the Alcohol Policy in the Rights, Responsibilities and Resources Guide.